Our beautiful mom, Mary Ballengee, passed away peacefully at her ranch home in Pine Canyon on Sunday, August 13.

Born Mary Margaret McKay, she was raised in Seattle, Washington and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Whitman College. She then completed graduate studies in music and drama at the University of Washington. While attending Whitman College, Mary met Edward Ballengee who would become her future husband. Ed and Mary both performed the lead opposite each other in the romantic musical, "South Pacific", fell deeply in love and were married in 1957. Mary and Ed were happily married for 66 years and lived a full and adventurous life.

Mary is survived by her husband, Ed and her two daughters: Paulette and her husband, Jim Scoville of McCall, Idaho, and her daughter, Mimi and her husband, John Black of Pine Canyon; nine grandsons, and 10 great grandchildren, for now!!!

Mary and Ed loved to sing!!! They sang in the Carmel Bach Festival under the baton of Sandor Salgo, in the Monterey County Symphony Chorus, and in the Camerata Singers under Vahe' Aslanian.  With I Cantori de Carmel, and the Camerata Singers, Mary and Ed sang in two European concert tours.

With family and friends, Ed and Mary took many wilderness camping trips on horseback with pack mules and family vacations on hiking and fishing adventures. Mary and Ed gained vast knowledge of the back country from Sam Avila, Sr. and shared many fun pack trip adventures with his grandson, Charles Harriman, and their daughters.

Mary loved nature and the out-of-doors and passed on that love to her children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed expertly identifying every bird, tree, animal and wildflower that she encountered and passionately led countless nature hikes for young people in the community.

Mary and Ed also led a life completely devoted to service to the local community. Mary was the establishing secretary of the SoMo Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. together with the establishing president, Janette Hall Harkness.

Mary and Ed enthusiastically supported KCHS sports. In support of the KCHS Mustang Bench, Mary personally sold tons of Mustang Bench jackets and hot dogs during concessions at football games.

Mary was the loving and shining center of home and ranch life in Pine Canyon, always showering love and care upon each and every family member. She will be greatly missed by all who love her!!

In lieu of a large funeral service, Mary requested that a donation be made in her name to the Shriners Children's Hospital. A small private graveside service with family and close friends will be held this week.

For more information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400